Speculation Station: Smoke from Two Camps

There has been a lot of buzz today surrounding the coaching search.  Here are two rumors that have stirred Irish fans:

Once again, "unnamed sources" started this one...
Irish Central says Brian Kelly IS the next coach

A new member of Irish Sports Daily started a rumor that Bob Stoops inked a deal with ND.  He claims that his brother works for the firm that moderated the deal.
Bleacher Reports summarizes the alleged Bob Stoops signing

One thing is certain -  rumors will continue to swirl and speculation will run amuck until ND makes the official announcement.  Up next: I'll guess your weight and bark for the yak-women.  What a circus!

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Speculation Station: Kelly, Stoops and Patterson

The two most common names mentioned in the ND coaching search speculation seem to be Stoops and Kelly. Here's a collection of other opinions about the chances of either coach arriving in South Bend.

Bob Stoops:
Sitting on Stoops?
Stoops says he's staying in Norman

Brian Kelly:
Why we like Kelly
Pat Forde says Kelly's a "perfect fit"
Kelly won't talk until after Pitt game



Maybe Kelly isn't talking becuase he doesn't want to spill the beans. We'll see...

It looks like Gary Patterson is no longer available for consideration: Patterson Signs Extension
On the other hand, the NY Times had this to say Monday:
Patterson said in a telephone interview that neither he nor his agent had been contacted by Notre Dame, but he called the university’s rich football history “intriguing.”

“I’d have to know the ins and outs,” Patterson said. “Just like anywhere, I’ve always listened.”

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